Tottenham Hotspur are set to compete in the Europa League again this season, after finishing third in their Champions League group.
Martin Keown has told the Daily Mail that Tottenham Hotspur should be taking the Europa League seriously this season.
Spurs finished in third place in their Champions League group, meaning that they have dropped into Europe’s second tier competition.
Tottenham will have to get past five teams if they are to lift the Europa League title, and there are fears that the regular Thursday night fixtures could have a detrimental affect on their league form.
However, Keown feels that Spurs will gain from their experience in Europe, and he has encouraged them to play their strongest team in the competition.
“It does make it a very long season but at this stage in Tottenham’s development they need to stay in it and take it seriously,” the former Arsenal defender said.
“They will be playing their games at Wembley but my attitude would be only play there when you absolutely have to.”
The winners of the Europa League will earn a place in next season’s Champions League, meaning Spurs have two routes into Europe’s top tournament.
Tottenham also have their eyes on protecting the top four spot which they claimed last term.
Spurs finished in third place last season, and there are hopes that they could build on that this time around.
As things stand, Mauricio Pochettino’s side are in fifth place – just three points behind Manchester City, who occupy fourth.
Tottenham are next in action at the weekend, when they take on Manchester United at Old Trafford.
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